They didn't deliver on the exotic car feel that I was hoping for I guess. Also, they felt really poorly made, although I've not ever been in a hardtop. Doors close roughly, steering wheel noises, dash creaks. I compare them with a continental gt, which is far less beautiful, but just feels more put together. But again, they're beautiful and I don't recall the mileage of the few that I've driven.

I looked hard at this generation Aaron’s when I bought the NSX. Drove a DB9 even. Finding manual transmissions is tough with the DB9s, less so than the vantage. The two are priced fairly closely, within 20% usually so that’s why the DB9 seemed like a better value.

Wearymicrobe stories about trying to find a Vantage that didn’t need a clutch were memorable. The V12 clutch is more robust. When I drove it, it was certainly beautiful and sounded amazing, but the build and materials quality were not as good as my CLS63, and it was not as fast. Basically, other than being gorgeous, the CLS was just a better car. That’s why I ended up with the NSX, it was way more engaging to drive, more reliable, and is appreciating instead of depreciating. The Aston’s sure are gorgeous though.

I have some time climbing around and servicing a 2009 V8 Vantage and it just feels special. The paint is fantastic. The interior is pretty ritzy, the key alone is a heavy solid chunk of what looks like glass but is probably plastic. The chassis is all aluminium, it has a fancy rear mounted transaxle. It's got a dry sump oiling system with beautiful stainless tanks underhood. The exhaust is a work of art and sounds fantastic. This particular car has the quiet mode exhaust flappers rigged open all the time - it's loud and starts up with a racecar blip/snarl every time. The doors are neat and don't open outwards, rather up and outwards - not lambo style but you'll never catch a high curb with them.

The transmission doesn't like low speed operation at all, but once moving works well. I wouldn't want to spend time in traffic with one.

I have a friend that let me borrow his for the weekend a few years ago. I put about 500 miles on it so consider it an extended rental. His has the manual trans. It is a stunningly beautiful car. But at the same time it's very subdued and understated. It's a weird feeling that even though you're in a car that feels very special, nobody gives you a second look. It feels like you're just invisible. Seriously, if you want a car to go out and look cool in, this isn't it.

I hated the clutch feel. It has one of those over center linkage feeling clutch throws that starts out pretty darn stiff and then falls to the floor halfway through the stroke. The DBW throttle is kind of laggy. Between it and the clutch I found it hard to make smooth shifts.

There's a gazillion different seat adjustments which is kinda cool but a little overwhelming at the same time.

Gas mileage sucked. I averaged between 15-18 mpg.

It handles good, but not great. It feels heavy.

In summary if you're looking for a sports car you will be disappointed. But it's an amazing GT car that eats up highway miles in comfort. And the exhaust sounds incredible!